Hastings Council considers DROPPING taxi vehicle age limits for electric and hydrogen cabs and extending limits for WAVs
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
Hastings Borough Council is considering changes to its taxi and private hire vehicle licensing policy that could allow larger multi-purpose vehicles and wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) to remain licensed for up to 15 years, subject to enhanced safety inspections.
The authority is also proposing to remove age limits entirely for electric and hydrogen-powered licensed vehicles.
A report presented to the council’s Regulatory Committee on 21 April requests permission to launch a public consultation on the proposals, which officers say are aimed at supporting accessibility, reducing financial pressures on operators and encouraging the transition to zero-emission fleets.
Under the current Hastings policy, vehicles cannot be licensed for the first time if they are more than five years old and cannot normally remain licensed beyond 10 years from first registration. The proposed amendment would increase the maximum licensing age for 8-seat MPVs, purpose-built MPVs and WAVs to 15 years. Electric and hydrogen vehicles would no longer face an upper age limit.
Proposal would allow some licensed MPVs and wheelchair accessible taxis to operate for up to 15 years while removing age limits for electric and hydrogen vehicles
Licensing officers said rising vehicle costs were placing significant strain on operators, particularly those running accessible vehicles. The report states that a Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer can now cost more than £63,000 including VAT and argues that many purpose-built commercial vehicles remain mechanically sound well beyond 10 years if properly maintained.
The council report also references Department for Transport best practice guidance issued in November 2023, which states that licensing authorities should avoid imposing arbitrary vehicle age limits and instead focus on emissions, safety and accessibility standards.
To offset concerns linked to older vehicles remaining in service, Hastings is proposing an enhanced inspection regime for vehicles over 10 years old. This would include two MOT tests per year, an annual local authority inspection and an additional full inspection by an approved independent garage covering structural integrity, corrosion, safety systems and wheelchair access equipment.
The report argues that extending vehicle life cycles could help operators reduce debt exposure and avoid fare increases caused by high replacement costs. Officers also said extending the operational life of Euro 6 compliant vehicles could reduce the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new vehicles.
Accessibility is a major factor behind the proposal. The council said WAVs are essential for many disabled passengers and warned that strict age limits could discourage operators from investing in specialist vehicles because of the higher upfront conversion costs involved.
The report noted there is currently no unmet demand for wheelchair accessible vehicles in Hastings and confirmed the authority maintains a designated list of WAVs in line with the Equality Act 2010.
A four-week public consultation is expected to involve licensed drivers, operators, disability groups, residents and passengers before any final decision is taken by councillors.
